E’town board adopts flexible healthcare accounts for employees

ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Town Council voted to approve a new flexible health-spending program for the town’s employees on Monday.

“The flexible spending account is a new program for our employees which will allow them to set aside a portion of their salary for anticipated medical expenses,” said Town Manager Eddie Madden.

He said the employees’ contributions are taken pre-tax and can be used to help pay their deductible, prescription drug costs and other eligible medical expenses.

The board also approved a health and fitness membership requirement policy.

“A fitness center benefit has been offered to our employees for several years through our Health and Wellness Program. The amended policy requires our employees to attend the fitness center at least six times per month in order to receive a membership incentive,” said Madden.

In other business:

— The board approved a grant agreement with Golden Leaf Foundation and an an approved an amendment to the town’s customer service policy for the Utilities Department.

— The board also approved a facade grant for Mary’s Natural Hair Care Salon located at 603 Martin Luther King Drive.

— Kevin O’ Sullivan, who has previously been set up in front of the former Front Porch location whittling and selling walking sticks, appeared before the board, and Madden said O’Sullivan attended the noon work session to address the board regarding its ordinance on itinerant sales.

“The board explained the purpose for the ordinance which has been in place for several years and invited him to locate his business at the farmers market, which is the only location in town that permits itinerant sales,” said Madden.

During the board’s monthly meeting in June, the board discussed the ordinance and made some changes. In June, Madden said the itinerant merchants are not allowed to set up in town and have not been allowed to do so for four or five years. Under the town’s ordinance the only place an itinerant merchant is currently allowed to set up is at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market.

In June, Madden said there is an exception in the ordinance for civic clubs, bona fide nonprofits and religious organizations. Madden said the amendment places some additional restrictions establishing how long and how often these groups can set up.